This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the current visa options and extension policies for tourists in Thailand?
Thailand Visa RulesVisa ExtensionsTourist VisaRetirement VisaVisa ExemptHua Hin ImmigrationExit Ticket RequirementsImmigration Office ExperiencesTravel in Thailand
Jul 8, 2024
2 years ago
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have been to Thailand about 12 times on 90-day tourist visas and 2 times on retirement visas over 12 years As recently as March 2024 I arrived at BKK airport and was given a 30 visa-exempt. entry, 3 weeks later I went to Thai Immigration at "Blupoint Shopping Centre" in Hua Hin and obtained a 1-month extension for Bt1900, it took about an hour all told including the interview with a police officer. I have never been asked about a ticket to exit Thailand on all my trips. In the 15 times I have been there, I have never been asked about an exit ticket even though it says you will.
PS... I now have a ticket to return to Hua Hin on 18/09/2024, exiting Thailand on 14/11/2024 which is 57 days. For me, it does not matter if they have not sorted out their 60-day visa-free entry issues by then. If not I'll get 30 days visa-free stay and just apply for 30 days extension at Immigration in Hua Hin and pay the required Bt1900.
By the way, Thai Immigration was/is very helpful at Hua Hin Immigration with staff people eager to advise you of the method and offer help, it is much simpler now. You only need your passport and proof of where you live to fill out the application (best to do a dry run first)). i.e. a receipt from your hotel will do. Thailand by delaying each application for the 60 visa-free issues is then Bt1900 better off, when you extend your visa, I don't mind, I believe tourists should/could be required to pay something.
PS... I now have a ticket to return to Hua Hin on 18/09/2024, exiting Thailand on 14/11/2024 which is 57 days. For me, it does not matter if they have not sorted out their 60-day visa-free entry issues by then. If not I'll get 30 days visa-free stay and just apply for 30 days extension at Immigration in Hua Hin and pay the required Bt1900.
By the way, Thai Immigration was/is very helpful at Hua Hin Immigration with staff people eager to advise you of the method and offer help, it is much simpler now. You only need your passport and proof of where you live to fill out the application (best to do a dry run first)). i.e. a receipt from your hotel will do. Thailand by delaying each application for the 60 visa-free issues is then Bt1900 better off, when you extend your visa, I don't mind, I believe tourists should/could be required to pay something.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around personal experiences with various visa options for visiting Thailand, including 90-day tourist visas and retirement visas. The author shares insights about obtaining a 30-day visa-exempt entry followed by a one-month extension, highlighting the helpfulness of Hua Hin Immigration staff. Several commenters express their opinions on the necessity of exit tickets, the costs associated with visa extensions, and the overall experience of dealing with Thai immigration processes. Additionally, users share tips on applying for the 60-day tourist visa and alternatives for entering Thailand without complications.
90 DAY REPORTING RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Use the trusted Thailand 90 Day Reporting Serviceto get your in-person report done and mailed to you for as low as 375 THB (even if the online system doesn't work for you).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted 90 Day Reporting Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNO
Mike ********
Don't you think spending a lot of money in their country is enough without milking us out of another 1900 Baht?
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *******
...TIT ...this is Thailand. It is not a good idea to criticise Thailand while living there. They call it defamation. Under Thai law, it is a crime. i.e. if you criticise someone for driving on the road stupidly and shout out "You are a maniac" you can be arrested for defamation. Things are a bit different in Thailand...get used to it. LOS.Mike ********
@David *******
I've been going to Thailand for 25 year's now. I know all about it. ThanksReply to
Mike ********
Reply
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *******
I do but again and again "When in Rome do what the Romans do"Mike ********
I think I'll go to Vietnam by my 60 day for a week or so then back to Thailand for the remainder of my trip
Mike ********
I'll be there for 3 months
Mike ********
I'll wait until July 15th that was the last rummer I heard they were going to approve the 60 day
Mike ********
@David *******
I'll be applying for my 60 day E-Visa next week. I was hoping the 60 day entry would of been approved by now. I fly out July 28 so I don't want to chance itReply to
Mike ********
Reply
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *******
...I thought the reason for going to live in Thailand is it costs so much less to live, it is for me, and I'm happy with that. The same room in Perth costs $300 a night, Thailand about $300 a month.Mike ********
@David *******
it is cheaper to live I'm just saying why tax me 1900 Baht for only 30 days when I'm going to spend thousands of U.S. while I'm there. I live in Thailand for 3 months every 3 months so I get the 60 day visa twice a year. It's just that now I'll visit other neighbouring countries & go back to Thailand for my last few weeks for free! I know it's more that way but I see other places.David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *******
I've been doing that for years. For me, as I also own a nice house in my hometown, it is just as cheap to live in Australia and travel at will. Even for govt pension recipients like me.David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *******
The world cannot survive if people do not pay some taxes. I would prefer to not pay any tax but I know that is not practical in a modern world. I can easily afford Bt1900 and just grouch daily about visa prices in Thailand, then grin and put up with it. It's not a lot. It could be better, 3 months at a time... maybe.Mike ********
@David *******
your missing my point. If I pay for a 60 visa already they should extend for free cause if there without a Visa I get a 30 days entry for freeDavid ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI can only restate again, "When in Rome do as the Romans do". a wise man once said.
Reply to
David ********
Reply
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYou get them a 90-day tourist visa in your own country at a Thai Consulate. They are for 60 days and you can extend them for another 30 days in Thailand. I've had 12 of them. That is what Thais call 90-day tourist visas but this is Thailand. TIT. You can use them up to 90 days after issue, you need to have a bit of money for your trip in the bank and Bt1900 if and when you extend them.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI've never been asked for an exit ticket by Immigration even though I have had one at both 60 days and 90 days.
Stuart **********
@David *******
so do you need an exit ticket after the 60 day visa or can you get away with an exit ticket after 90 daysDavid ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart *********
...Although I have never been asked if I have an exit ticket, the rules say you could be requested to have one...it's up to you (that's a Thai standard answer).Reply to
David ********
Reply
Steve **********
Hua Hin is probably the best immigration office in Thailand. Always polite and usually not a long wait. I really appreciate the help and fast service there!
Thaimer ******
@Steve *********
Trat is best from my experience. Fast, easy going, friendlyRon ********
@Steve *********
Very good to know. Thanks for that. IMO, the absolute worst and most corrupt is Jomtien. I would advise steering well clear of that bunch.Max *************
@Ron *******
I'm staying in Jomtien and my annual extensions takes about 4 minutes every year inside immigration. And when doing TM30 reports, you can self report, which isn't allowed in every province in Thailand. I don't know what you're complaining about.Ron ********
@Max ************
I could write a book about them birds. Believe me or not. I do not really care if you do not care to know the truth. Have a nice day.Max *************
@Ron *******
The truth? Or do you mean your truth? I've been here for years and I haven't had any problems what so ever at immigration. I know loads of people here with the same experience.Ron ********
@Max ************
As I already said, I do not care what you think. It is beyond ludicrious if you think I do not know how they have treated me. If you had any sense and if you ACTUALLY cared to know, you could search my post across several Thai Visa forums and see what they have done. That is up to you. I really could not give a rats azz what you do or what you think. Go stir up some sh#t elsewhere with someone else if you do not mind. Have a nice day and bugger off if you do not mind. Blocking on.David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes Hua Hin immigration, I was escorted through the renewal procedure by a lovely young lady who spoke good English and to boot she was just drop-dead beautiful, just lovely. At 82 y/o I can still recognise a beautiful lady.
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Cliff *********
I have been going to Thailand for 15 years using it as a hub for Asian travel. So 50+ times in and out….
In the past few years, about 50% of the time either the airline or immigration ask about exit flights…..
So be prepared is my motto.
In the past few years, about 50% of the time either the airline or immigration ask about exit flights…..
So be prepared is my motto.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cliff ********
... I always carry a return ticket to Perth Aus. but I have never been asked for one in 15 trips to Thailand. You never know?Reply to
David ********
Reply
Henrik *****
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.
It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.
No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.
It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
thaievisa.go.th
If visiting the nearest Thai Embassy website, you may find informations, that make it much easier to apply online.
Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).
Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
If dates on ticket and chosen entry scheme doesn’t match, and no onward ticket can be provided, the trip may end in the departure airport.
It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.
No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.
It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
thaievisa.go.th
If visiting the nearest Thai Embassy website, you may find informations, that make it much easier to apply online.
Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).
Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
If dates on ticket and chosen entry scheme doesn’t match, and no onward ticket can be provided, the trip may end in the departure airport.
David ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, I hope the 60 visa-free issue is up and running when I arrive on
*****
/24 and leave on *****
/24. So far there have been a few hiccups?Stuart **********
@David *******
$300 for a 60 day tourist visa from NZ now.Was $60 prior to fee increaseDavid ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart *********
...Migrate to Australia...Perth and save $500 on airfare to BKK. My now ticket Perth to BKK and return just cost $395Stuart **********
@David *******
spent yrs flying from Perth to Bangkok,at least 40 or more tripsStuart **********
@David *******
Spent 42 yrs in Australia,then retired and came back to NZ,now I was planning on living permanently in Thailand with my Thai wife and family so I rang Centrelink International services as I get Aussie pension paid through NZ WINZ and asked them for a portable pension and they told me I had to return to Australia for two yrs so at 73 yrs they can shove it up their you no whereDavid ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart *********
...Sorry nothing is perfect, you have to be resident in Australia to claim the AAP and remain so for 2 years to get portability. Some Aussies are lousy about that but that is the way things are done. Both major political parties support that so things are not likely to change soon. Most Aussies who have lived all their life in Aus. till claiming the AAP automatically qualify for portability. They have already done the 2-year requirement.Reply to
David ********
Reply
Henrik *****
Just use the~1300 baht and get the touristvisa.
No need to wait for changing the visa excempt.
No need to wait for changing the visa excempt.
Łukasz *********
@Henrik ****
I don’t think you can get this visa if you’re not in your home country. So it’s convenient if you’re applying from Europe or US, but it’s not available under the same terms when you’re already in Asia.Henrik *****
@Łukasz ********
He has planned to arrive *****
/24, so it is possibel for him to apply from his homecountry.David ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Henrik ****
2 months at a time is OK with me if/when Thailand sorts itself out for a 2-month visa-free on arrival and one Bt1900 30-day extension, which will be convenient for 99% of Thai Tourists. 3 months for Bt1900 for a 90-day holiday is OK by me and many others. It's only the long-term residents that now have something to worry about and may have to pay income tax in Thailand...maybe??? It is unlikely that Australians who get the Australian Aged Pension (AAP) and some super are likely to be free of Thai income tax. The AAP in Australia is not taxed if you are under the ATO threshold and super now has already been deducted of 15% of the profits. Any dividends are then or now tax-free in Australia and most likely in Thailand.
Henrik *****
Don’t wait for visa excempt to change to 60 days, it may never happend.
Just use ~1300 Baht ( excluding NZ) to get the 60 day tourist visa, which can be be extended 30 days at immigration.
Just use ~1300 Baht ( excluding NZ) to get the 60 day tourist visa, which can be be extended 30 days at immigration.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
52 comments
2 years ago
30 comments
2 years ago
64 comments
2 years ago
32 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
3 years ago
3 comments
3 years ago
6 comments
3 years ago
30 comments
3 years ago
35 comments
3 years ago
44 comments
3 years ago
28 comments
3 years ago
13 comments
3 years ago
18 comments
3 years ago
8 comments
3 years ago
1 comments
3 years ago
19 comments
4 years ago
14 comments
4 years ago
4 comments
4 years ago
11 comments
6 years ago
10 comments
6 years ago
76 comments
8 years ago
16 comments
8 years ago
10 comments
8 years ago
29 comments
8 years ago
1 comments
9 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.